Temsirolimus
Temsirolimus is an antineoplastic medication used primarily to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in patients with poor prognosis. As an mTOR inhibitor, it works by binding to intracellular proteins and blocking the mTOR pathway that controls cancer cell division, ultimately halting tumor growth.
Temsirolimus is an mTOR inhibitor chemotherapy agent used to treat advanced kidney cancer by stopping cancer cell division.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01EG01
- RxNorm
- 657797
- Generic
- Temsirolimus
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Torisel
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment
no dosage adjustment required but monitor for increased sensitivity to adverse effects
regular monitoring of renal function and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients - use not recommended
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment - monitor closely
close monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no specific dose adjustment required but monitor closely
monitor liver function tests and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeavoid or reduce dose
use not recommended in severe hepatic impairment - if used, significant dose reduction may be required
frequent liver function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Mechanism-based classification
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval information
Primary indication
Therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Primarily indicated for previously untreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) who have a poor prognosis. May be used in other cancers as determined by an oncologist.
Temsirolimus binds to an intracellular protein called FKBP-12, forming a complex that inhibits mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). This blocks signals that control cell division and proliferation, causing cancer cells to arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, preventing tumor growth.
Administered intravenously by healthcare professionals. Common side effects include rash, fatigue, mouth sores, and metabolic changes. May cause immunosuppression and requires monitoring of blood counts and liver function. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur; pre-medication with antihistamines is typically given.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy